Deepak Khanna to take over as ABPI president

Merck Sharp & Dohme's (MSD) UK managing director Deepak Khanna is to take over as president of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) in April, 2012.

Khanna will take over from GlaxoSmithKline's UK general manager Simon Jose when his one-year term ends next year.

Holding both US and UK citizenship, Khanna has worked both sides of the Atlantic for MSD in Europe and its parent company Merck & Co in the US.

He managed all aspects of the US Merck/Schering-Plough Joint Venture, and was responsible for leading the US integration planning efforts between the two companies after they agreed to merge in 2009.

Khanna has already worked closely with the ABPI, serving as a member of the body's Board of Management, chair of its Health Technology Assessment Taskforce and chair of the American Pharmaceutical Group.

Commenting on the appointment, Khanna echoed ABPI CEO Stephen Whitehead's views on focusing on pharma innovation and collaboration to fulfil the industry's potential.

Khanna said: "Innovative medicines play an important role in meeting the needs of patients, helping the NHS to improve health outcomes, and supporting the growth of the economy.

“I am looking forward to working with the Government, the NHS, patient groups and life science companies to ensure that the industry continues to make a significant contribution to the health and wealth of the UK."

Whitehead, referencing recent announcements by the UK government to increase support for the life sciences industry, said: “Our industry has changed, and I expect it to continue to change. But we are moving into a more positive era.”

He continued: “We are moving in the right direction, and I very much look forward to working together with Deepak to ensure this progress continues.”